Meet Our Depo-Provera Attorneys

Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progestin. Administered every three months, it works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.

Depo-Provera has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1992 for use as a birth control method. While it's known for its convenience, requiring only four shots a year, it has also been linked to a number of health risks, many of which may not have been fully disclosed to patients.

While all medications carry risks, the side effects associated with Depo-Provera can be particularly concerning, especially when the drug is used long-term. Some of the most alarming risks include:

• Meningioma (brain tumor): The active ingredient in Depo-Provera, medroxyprogesterone acetate, may stimulate tumor growth in sensitive brain tissue. Prolonged use of the drug, particularly for over a year, has been shown in some scientific studies to increase the risk of meningioma development. 
• Bone density loss: Depo-Provera has been shown to reduce bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. This risk can be especially harmful in young women, whose bones are still developing.
• Hormonal imbalance: The injection can disrupt normal hormone levels, leading to mood swings, depression, or anxiety.
• Delayed fertility return: While it’s marketed as reversible, Depo-Provera may delay a return to fertility for many months or even years after discontinuation.
• Weight gain: Many users report significant weight gain, sometimes tied to changes in appetite and metabolism.
• Irregular bleeding: Prolonged use can lead to unpredictable menstrual cycles, spotting, or amenorrhea.
• Increased risk of breast cancer: Some studies suggest that Depo-Provera may be linked to a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer, especially in younger users.

If you experienced serious side effects such as a brain tumor after using Depo-Provera, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to ensure their products are safe and to adequately warn patients of known risks.

A successful claim may require demonstrating that:

• You used Depo-Provera as directed.
• You were not adequately warned of the risks.
• You suffered a documented meningioma that can be linked to your use of the drug.

An experienced attorney can help determine whether your case qualifies for legal action.

Yes, Depo-Provera has been the subject of legal scrutiny, including individual lawsuits. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer failed to warn consumers about the severity and likelihood of long-term side effects, particularly regarding the development of a meningioma. 

While there hasn’t yet been any settlement, multiple individual claims are moving through the courts, and additional lawsuits are expected. A multidistrict litigation (MDL) has been established in the Northern District of Florida that will streamline the legal process and increase negotiating power against the manufacturer.

While not all side effects from Depo-Provera qualify for legal action, the development of a meningioma tumor may warrant a lawsuit.

Depo-Provera has been linked to an increased risk of meningiomas, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. These tumors, while often benign, can still be life-altering due to their location and impact on the brain and require surgical intervention..

If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after receiving Depo-Provera injections, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, each case is unique. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you understand your legal options.

Establishing causation is a crucial step in any product liability lawsuit. To determine if Depo-Provera is responsible for your health condition, you’ll want to:

• Review your medical history with a physician who understands Depo-Provera's side effects.
• Obtain the relevant examinations if you’ve experienced symptoms for any of the listed health side effects.
• Track your use of Depo-Provera, including injection dates and how long you used it.
• Compare the timeline of your symptoms with your injection history.

An attorney can help you coordinate medical expert reviews and gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.

If you file a lawsuit against Pfizer or any responsible party, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs related to your condition.
• Pain and suffering: For physical and emotional distress.
• Lost wages: If your condition impacted your ability to work.
• Loss of future earnings: In cases involving permanent disability or infertility.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was especially negligent or deceptive.
   

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the strength of your case.

Yes. Many people only begin to experience side effects or get a diagnosis years after they stop using Depo-Provera. Depending on your state’s statute of limitations, you may still be eligible to file a claim if:

• You only recently discovered the injury or its connection to Depo-Provera.
• The statute of limitations allows for “delayed discovery” in medical cases.

Acting quickly is important. Even if the symptoms are recent, time may be limited to file a valid lawsuit.

The amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the specifics of your case. However, some exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t discovered right away or you were misdiagnosed or unaware of the link between Depo-Provera and your symptoms.

It's important to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Since deadlines can vary by state and situation, it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to understand the specific timeline for your case. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

If you suspect that Depo-Provera  caused you to develop a meningioma, here are the next steps to take:

• Seek medical attention: Get a professional diagnosis and document all symptoms.
• Collect medical records: Secure bone scans, hormone tests, reproductive health assessments, and any doctor’s notes that reference Depo-Provera.
• Contact Morgan & Morgan: A personal injury lawyer with pharmaceutical litigation experience can help you assess your case.
• Track your symptoms: Maintain a journal of your health experiences, emotional distress, and any financial impacts.

Taking these steps can strengthen your potential claim and safeguard your health.

Numerous lawsuits allege that Pfizer failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks of Depo-Provera. In particular, plaintiffs argue that the manufacturer:

• Omitted mention of the risk of developing meningiomas, a type of brain tumor.
• Neglected to update warning labels promptly in response to medical research.
• Marketed the drug aggressively to vulnerable populations without full disclosure.

Additionally, studies have connected Depo-Provera use to an increased risk of meningiomas, causing Pfizer to update Depo-Provera's patient information leaflets in Europe to include information about meningiomas. As the U.S. did not require this, they did not update the product’s labeling in America.

This alleged failure to warn could serve as the foundation for liability in individual lawsuits.

Building a strong Depo-Provera claim requires detailed documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Injection records: Proof of when and how long you received Depo-Provera.
• Medical diagnoses: Documentation of meningioma.
• Physician notes: Especially those that mention Depo-Provera as a contributing factor.
• Receipts for medical expenses and missed work.
• Journal entries or affidavits describing your symptoms and how your life was affected.

Your legal team can help you gather and organize this information effectively.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer, you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

We love talking to our clients. You will primarily communicate with your Case Manager via telephone and email, and if you would like to speak directly with your attorney via telephone, we will make that happen by scheduling a call.

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Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

Don’t bear the burden of your injuries on your own because of someone else’s negligence. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.